Materials: Transparency Number 9

Part I

1. the students should be down to invention. Have the students draw several sketches of their inventions in their diaries. Suggest to them that they experiment with different designs and materials. Also, they should use their fellow inventors by asking them for their reactions to their designs.

2. Once the sketch has been finalized, they should start the process of building a model or prototype of their invention. (A prototype is a full-sized, working model.) The model or prototype phase is primarily done at home. It is very likely that students will need technical relative, or teacher who may have the equipment or skills that will assist them in the construction of the invention. Remind the students that the first model or prototype they build may not be the final. Models or prototypes go through an evolution until they are satisfied that it will work properly and appeal to others.

Part II

1. the process of patenting your invention must be considered if they feel it is worthy of that honour. Questions to ask the students - What do you thinks a patents is. (A patents is a document protecting the rights of the inventor and it is a repository of useful information for the public.) Question - Is a patent and a copyright the same thing (No, patents are for new technologies, processes or structures whereas copyrights are for literary, artistic, dramatic, musical works and computer software)

2. What can you patents. (anything that is new, is useful and it shows inventive ingenuity. It can be a product like a new door lock, a composition like a new lubricant for the door lock, an apparatus like a machine to make the new door lock or a process like a new way to make the door lock). 90 percent of patents are to improve existing patents.

3. If you are considering patenting you invention, it is highly advisable to get a patent agent who will work on you behalf. If is not mandatory, but is is recommended since these individuals are professionals and are highly trained in this area.

Part III

1. Put up Transparency #9 - The steps involved in the patenting process

Debriefing

These ideas need to be placed in the student's head:

1. The evolution of you model or prototype can be a slow and tedious process. Start early.
2. Patenting your invention is a serious matter that can be expensive. However, it is you only legal way to protect your invention from other people